thaw
(thô)
[Middle English thawen, from Old English thawian.]
verb: thawed, thaw·ing, thaws.
intransitive verb
- To change from a frozen solid to a liquid by gradual warming.
- To lose stiffness, numbness, or impermeability by being warmed: left the frozen turkey out until it thawed; thawed out by sitting next to the stove.
- To become warm enough for snow and ice to melt.
- To become less formal, aloof, or reserved.
transitive verb
- To cause to thaw.
noun
- The process of thawing.
- A period of warm weather during which ice and snow melt.
- A relaxation of reserve, restraints, or tensions.